Kyle Lowry, the former Toronto Raptors star, and his wife, Ayahna Cornish-Lowry, have joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the city's inaugural WNBA franchise. This announcement coincides with Lowry's retirement from the NBA, as he signed a one-day contract with the Raptors to conclude his 20-year career with the team that led him to his first NBA Championship in 2019.
The couple's involvement with the Tempo underscores their commitment to advancing women's basketball in Canada. In a joint statement, they expressed their excitement about this new chapter, stating, "We are a huge basketball family and have been big supporters of the WNBA since day one. This feels like a true full-circle moment to announce our ownership in the Tempo."
Their addition to the ownership group, which includes former Raptors principal owner Larry Tanenbaum, former president Masai Ujiri, and tennis legend Serena Williams, is seen as a significant step in promoting the growth of women's sports in Canada. Tanenbaum welcomed the Lowrys, highlighting their "immeasurable impact on the game of basketball and on the city of Toronto."
Fans have reacted positively to the news, viewing it as a fitting next chapter in Lowry's enduring legacy in Toronto. The couple's involvement is expected to inspire the next generation of athletes and fans, further solidifying the Tempo's presence in the Canadian sports landscape.
The Toronto Tempo, established in May 2024, is Canada's first WNBA franchise and is set to begin play in the 2026 season. The team's mission includes growing women's basketball and investing in the future of the sport in Canada.
With the Lowrys' involvement, the Tempo aims to build something special in Toronto, inspire the next generation of athletes and fans, and support the continued growth of women's basketball in Canada.